The Play That Goes Wrong, now playing at the Keegan Theatre, amusingly subverts classic murder mystery tropes by merrily mixing the physical comedy of The Three Stooges with the verbal intricacy of the Marx Brothers. This frenetically and madcap play conveys the double-entendre of Charlie Chan and the mass appeal of detectives we have all come to know through literature and film (for, indeed, the marvelous Matthew Pauli does a superb job of portraying “Chris” as Inspector Carter — who reminded me of an absent-minded Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple).
Director Michael Innocenti moves this play along with fierce speed and dexterity as the stage comes alive with both verbal and physical comedy, pratfalls, and farcical high jinks. The entire ensemble follow his lead and this play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields takes off like a burst of comedic fireworks. The superb comic timing of this play is a result of the finely calibrated direction.
All of the specific performances are excellent. The acting challenges are exceedingly difficult as the actors have dual roles. Especially noteworthy is the performance of Jimmy Bartlebaugh as Max (who plays “Cecil Haversham” and “Arthur” with zest). Sandra (who plays Florence Colleymoore) is played with exuberance by Leah Packer. Martina Schabron as Annie, the company’s stage manager, plays her role perfectly — with illogical logic (that is the touchstone of all good comedy and farce).
Scenic design and technical direction by Josh Sticklin is phenomenal as the audience is treated to an old family manor replete with a revolving bookcase, a grandfather clock , an upper office area, a family crest, and an upper desk/office area.
Machinations and scenic surprises are amazingly designed to appear effortlessly achieved by superior engineering. Costume design by Elizabeth Morton is vivid and fun. Lighting and sound design by Hailey LaRoe and Brandon Cook respectively are both superbly done.
For refreshing summertime theatrical fun, do not miss the expert comedy The Play That Goes Wrong at the Keegan Theatre!
